System and method providing over current protection based on duty cycle information for power converter

ABSTRACT

System and method for protecting a power converter. An example system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator.

1. CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/749,516, filed Jan. 24, 2013, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201310015152.4, filed Jan. 15, 2013, both of these applications being commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In addition, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/749,516 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/005,427, filed Jan. 12, 2011, claiming priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201010587658.9, filed Dec. 8, 2010, all of these applications being commonly assigned and incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Additionally, this application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/213,657, 12/125,033, 11/752,926, 12/690,808, and 13/205,417, commonly assigned, incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. More particularly, the invention provides a control system and method for over-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability.

Power converters are widely used for consumer electronics such as portable devices. The power converters can convert electric power from one form to another form. As an example, the electric power is transformed from alternate current (AC) to direct current (DC), from DC to AC, from AC to AC, or from DC to DC. Additionally, the power converters can convert the electric power from one voltage level to another voltage level.

The power converters include linear converters and switch-mode converters. The switch-mode converters often use pulse-width-modulated (PWM) or pulse-frequency-modulated mechanisms. These mechanisms are usually implemented with a switch-mode controller including various protection components. These components can provide over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection, over-current protection (OCP), and over-power protection (OPP). These protections can often prevent the power converters and connected circuitries from suffering permanent damage.

For example, a power converter includes a switch and transformer winding that is in series with the switch. The current flowing through the switch and transformer winding may be limited by an OCP system. If the OCP system is not effective, the current can reach a level at which damage to the switch is imminent due to excessive current and voltage stress at switching or thermal run-away during operation. For example, this current level can be reached when the output short circuit or over loading occurs. Consequently, the rectifier components on the transformer secondary side are subject to permanent damage due to excessive voltage and current stress in many offline flyback converters. Hence an effective OCP system is important for a reliable switch-mode converter.

FIG. 1 is a simplified conventional switch-mode converter with over-current protection. A switch-mode converter 100 includes an OCP comparator 110, a PWM controller component 120, a gate driver 130, a switch 140, resistors 150, 152, 154, and 156, and a primary winding 160. The OCP comparator 110, the PWM controller component 120, and the gate driver 130 are parts of a chip 180 for PWM control.

For example, the PWM controller component 120 generates a PWM signal 122, which is received by the gate driver 130. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 110 receives and compares an over-current threshold signal 112 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) and a current sensing signal 114 (e.g., V_(CS)), and sends an over-current control signal 116 to the PWM controller component 120. When the current of the primary winding is greater than a limiting level, the PWM controller component 120 turns off the switch 140 and shuts down the switch-mode power converter 100.

For switch-mode converter, a cycle-by-cycle or pulse-by-pulse control mechanism is often used for OCP. For example, the cycle-by-cycle control scheme limits the maximum current and thus the maximum power delivered by the switch-mode converter. This limitation on maximum power can protect the power converter from thermal run-away. Some conventional OCP systems use an adjustable OCP threshold value based on line input voltage, but the actual limitation on maximum current and thus maximum power is not always constant over a wide range of line input voltage. Other conventional OCP systems use additional resistors 152 and 154 that are external to the chip 180 and inserted between V_(in) and the resistor 150 as shown in FIG. 1. But the resistor 152 consumes significant power, which often is undesirable for meeting stringent requirements on low standby power. For example, the resistor 152 of 2 MΩ can dissipate about 70 mW with input AC voltage of 264 volts.

As shown in FIG. 1, the current limit is expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {I_{Limit} = {{\frac{V_{in}}{L_{p}} \times t_{on}} = \frac{V_{{th}\_{oc}}}{R_{s}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1} \right) \end{matrix}$ where I_(Limit) represents the current limit. For example, the current limit is the current threshold for triggering over-current protection. Additionally, V_(in) is a bulk voltage (e.g., associated with the line input voltage VAC) at node 190, and V_(th) _(_) _(oc) is the voltage level at an input terminal 112 of the OCP comparator 110. R_(s) is the resistance of the resistor 150, and L is the inductance of the primary winding 160. Moreover, t_(on) represents on time of the switch 140 for each cycle. Accordingly, the maximum energy ε stored in the primary winding 160 is ε=½×L _(p) ×I _(Limit) ² =PT  (Equation 2) where T represents the clock period, and P represents the maximum power. So the maximum power P can be expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {P = {\frac{L_{p} \times I_{Limit}^{2}}{2\; T} = \frac{V_{in}^{2} \times t_{on}^{2}}{2 \times L_{p} \times T}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3} \right) \end{matrix}$

Therefore the power can be limited by controlling the current limit I_(Limit). But Equation 3 does not take into account the “delay to output” that includes the propagation delay through a current sense path to the switch 140. For example, the propagation delay includes propagation delays through the OCP comparator 110, the PWM controller component 120, the gate driver 130, and the response delay of turning off of the switch 140. During the “delay to output,” the switch 140 remains on, and the input current through the switch 140 keeps ramping up despite the current has already reached the threshold level of the OCP comparator 110. The extra current ramping amplitude, ΔI, due to the “delay to output” is proportional to the bulk voltage V_(in) as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{\Delta\; I} = {\frac{V_{in}}{L_{p}} \times T_{delay}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4} \right) \end{matrix}$ where T_(delay) represents the “delay to output.”

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between extra current ramping amplitude and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual maximum current I_(PEAK1) that corresponds to higher V_(in) is larger than the actual maximum current I_(PEAK2) that corresponds to lower V_(in). Accordingly, the actual maximum power is not constant over a wide range of bulk voltage. Hence the actual maximum power is expressed as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {P = {\frac{L_{p} \times \left( {I_{Limit} + {\Delta\; I}} \right)^{2}}{2\; T} = \frac{V_{in}^{2} \times \left( {t_{on} + T_{delay}} \right)^{2}}{2 \times L_{p} \times T}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 5} \right) \end{matrix}$

For example, T_(delay) depends on internal delays, gate charges, and circuitry related to the gate driver 130. In another example, for the predetermined switch-mode converter 100, T_(delay) is constant, and hence the actual maximum power depends on the bulk voltage. To compensate for variations of the actual maximum power, the threshold for over-current protection should be adjusted based on the bulk voltage.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between current threshold and bulk voltage. The bulk voltage V_(in2) is lower than the bulk voltage V_(in1) and the current threshold I_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_) _(vin2) for V_(in2) is larger than I_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_) _(vin1) for V_(in1) as shown in FIG. 3. The current threshold decreases with increasing bulk voltage V_(in). At the current threshold, the over-current protection is triggered. The resulting maximum current I_(PEAK1) for higher V_(in) is the same as the resulting maximum current I_(PEAK2) for lower V_(in).

For example, the current threshold has the following relationship with the bulk voltage:

$\begin{matrix} {I_{{th}\_{oc}} \approx {{I_{{th}\_{oc}}\left( V_{{in}\; 1} \right)} - {\frac{V_{in} - V_{{in}\; 1}}{L_{P}}T_{delay}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 6} \right) \end{matrix}$ where I_(th) _(_) _(oc) is the current threshold, V_(in) is the bulk voltage, L_(p) is the inductance of the primary winding, and T_(delay) is the “delay to output.” Additionally, I_(th) _(_) _(oc)(V_(in1)) is the current threshold that is predetermined for the bulk voltage V_(in1). For example, V_(in1) is the minimum bulk voltage. In another example, the current is sensed that flows through the switch and the primary winding. If the sensed current reaches I_(th) _(_) _(oc), the PWM controller component sends a signal to turn off the switch. After “delay to output,” the switch is turned off.

In Equation 6, the second term

$\frac{V_{in} - V_{{in}\; 1}}{L_{p}}T_{delay}$ represents a threshold offset to compensate for the effects of “delay to output.” FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between threshold offset and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG. 4, the term

$\frac{T_{delay}}{L_{p}}$ is the slope that depends on the “delay to output” and the inductance of primary winding. As shown in FIG. 4, the current threshold decreases with increasing bulk voltage.

There are at least two conventional approaches to implement the current threshold as a function of bulk voltage according to FIG. 4. In one example, the bulk voltage is sensed to generate an offset DC voltage proportional to bulk voltage in order to compensate for the effects of “delay to output” as shown in Equation 6.

In another example, the bulk voltage is sensed based on the maximum width of the PWM signal. The PWM signal is applied to the gate of a switch in series to the primary winding of a power converter. FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between PWM signal maximum width and bulk voltage. As shown in FIG. 5, the maximum current is constant with respect to bulk voltage, and the maximum width of PWM signal varies with bulk voltage. The maximum current I_(PEAK1) equals the maximum current I_(PEAK2). The maximum current I_(PEAK1) corresponds to a higher bulk voltage and a PWM signal 510, and the maximum current I_(PEAK2) corresponds to a lower bulk voltage and a PWM signal 520. As shown in FIG. 5, the maximum width for the PWM signal 510 is narrower for higher bulk voltage, and the maximum width for the PWM signal 520 is wider for lower bulk voltage. The bulk voltage is represented by the maximum width of the PWM signal if the maximum current is constant with respect to bulk voltage. Accordingly, the maximum width of the PWM signal can be used to determine the threshold offset to compensate for the effects of “delay to output” as shown in Equation 6.

According to FIG. 5, the compensation can be realized by generating a current threshold, I_(th) _(_) _(oc), which is a function of the maximum width of the PWM signal. For example, the current threshold is equal to I_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_) ₁ for the PWM signal 510 and I_(th) _(_) _(oc) _(_) ₂ for the PWM signal 520. In another example, the slope of I_(th) _(_) _(oc) with respect to the maximum width is properly chosen to compensate for the effects of “delay to output” as shown in Equation 6. The selected slope takes into account information about power converter components that are external to the chip for PWM control. The external components may include the primary winding, a current sensing resistor and a power MOSFET.

Additionally, to achieve high efficiency, a power converter usually works in CCM mode at low bulk voltage and works in DCM mode at high bulk voltage. FIG. 6 shows simplified conventional current profiles for primary winding in CCM mode and DCM mode. The current profiles describe current magnitudes as functions of time. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the current for primary winding increases from I_L to a current limit I_p1 within a pulse width at each cycle in DCM mode. For example, I_L is equal to zero. The energy delivered to the load at each cycle is ε=½×L _(p)×(I_p1)²  (Equation 7)

In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the current for primary winding increases from I_i2 to a current limit I_p2 within a pulse width at each cycle in CCM mode. For example, I_i2 is larger than zero. The energy delivered to the load at each cycle is ε=½×L _(p)×[(I_p2)²−(I_i2)²]  (Equation 8) where the ratio of

$\frac{{I\_ i}\; 2}{{I\_ p}\; 2}$ can vary with bulk voltage. For example, the ratio increases with decreasing bulk voltage. As described in Equations 7 and 8, if the two current limits I_p1 and I_p2 are equal, the amount of energy delivered to the load in DCM mode is higher than the amount of energy delivered to the load in CCM mode at each cycle.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram for maximum energy delivered to load at each cycle as a conventional function of bulk voltage. As a function of bulk voltage, the current limit, which equals either I_p1 or I_p2, is adjusted to compensate for “delay to output” as shown in FIG. 4, but differences between Equations 7 and 8 have not been taken into account. Also, FIG. 7 does not appear to have taken into account the varying ratio of

$\frac{{I\_ i}\; 2}{{I\_ p}\; 2}.$ Hence the maximum energy is not constant over the entire range of bulk voltage. For example, as shown by a curve 1300, the maximum energy decreases significantly with decreasing bulk voltage in CCM mode, even though the maximum energy appears substantially constant in the DCM mode.

In order to improve consistency of maximum energy in the CCM mode and the DCM mode, the compensation slope for the current threshold or the corresponding voltage threshold can be made different in different modes. Specifically, as shown in Equations 7 and 8, the compensation slope in the CCM mode is greater than the compensation slope in the DCM mode in magnitude.

But the maximum energy of the power converter can also be affected by other characteristics of the system. Hence it is highly desirable to improve techniques for over-current protection and over-power protection.

3. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. More particularly, the invention provides a control system and method for over-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability.

According to one embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, and generate the threshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value so that the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from the determined first threshold signal value, with the increasing time in magnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality of switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for each of the plurality of switching periods, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude.

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting a power converter includes a modulation and drive component, a ramping-signal generator, a sampling-signal generator, and a sample-and-hold component. The modulation and drive component is configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The sampling-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component is configured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal.

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting a power converter includes a modulation and drive component, a ramping-signal generator, a sample-and-hold component, a filter-signal generator, and a low-pass filter. The modulation and drive component is configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component is configured to receive the ramping signal and the modulation signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal. The filter-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The low-pass filter is configured to receive the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal and, in response to the filter signal, generate a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal.

In one embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. In addition, the method includes receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles; and generating the threshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period.

In another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value so that the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if the time satisfies one or more predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from the determined threshold signal value, with the increasing time in magnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality of switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for each of the plurality of switching periods, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude.

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving the modulation signal, and processing information associated with the modulation signal. The method further includes, generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal, receiving the sampling signal and the ramping signal, and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal.

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving the modulation signal, and processing information associated with the modulation signal. The method further includes, generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, generating a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, and receiving the ramping signal and the modulation signal. In addition, the method includes, outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal, receiving the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal, and generating, in response to the filter signal, a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal.

Depending upon embodiment, one or more benefits may be achieved. These benefits and various additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be fully appreciated with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified conventional switch-mode converter with over-current protection;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between extra current ramping amplitude and bulk voltage;

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between current threshold and bulk voltage;

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between threshold offset and bulk voltage;

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing conventional relationship between PWM signal maximum width and bulk voltage;

FIG. 6 shows simplified conventional current profiles for primary winding in CCM mode and DCM mode;

FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram for maximum energy delivered to load at each cycle as a conventional function of bulk voltage;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified timing diagrams for a switch-mode converter corresponding to different bulk voltages in the CCM mode;

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing effect of change in the bulk voltage V_(in) on the current sensing signal for the conventional switch-mode converter;

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing correction to voltage pulse of the current sensing signal;

FIG. 12 is a simplified power converter with over-current protection according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulk voltage according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14(c) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15(b) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 15(a) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter as shown in FIG. 16(a) according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulk voltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter as shown in FIG. 19(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulk voltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter as shown in FIG. 12 with over-current protection with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter as shown in FIG. 21(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22(b) is a simplified diagram showing the current sensing signal as shown in FIG. 12 as a function of time under different values for bulk voltage according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to integrated circuits. More particularly, the invention provides a control system and method for over-current protection and over-power protection. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to a power converter. But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are simplified timing diagrams for a switch-mode converter corresponding to different bulk voltages in the CCM mode. For example, the bulk voltage for FIG. 8 is higher than the bulk voltage for FIG. 9.

As shown in FIG. 8, curves 2810, 2820, 2830, and 2840 represent the timing diagrams for a clock signal (e.g., CLK), a PWM signal (e.g., PWM), an over-current threshold signal (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)), and a current sensing signal (e.g., V_(CS)) respectively. For example, the clock signal is in sync with the PWM signal. In another example, the PWM signal is generated by a PWM controller component. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal is received by an OCP comparator, and the current sensing signal is also received by the OCP comparator. As shown in FIG. 8, the curve 2830 indicates that the over-current threshold signal changes between a lower limit of V_(th) _(_) ₀ and an upper limit of V_(clamp), and the slope of the timing diagram in the CCM mode is greater than the slope of the timing diagram in the DCM mode.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, curves 2910, 2920, 2930, and 2940 represent the timing diagrams for the clock signal (e.g., CLK), the PWM signal (e.g., PWM), the over-current threshold signal (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)), and the current sensing signal (e.g., V_(CS)) respectively. For example, the clock signal is in sync with the PWM signal. In another example, the PWM signal is generated by the PWM controller component. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal is received by the OCP comparator, and the current sensing signal is also received by the OCP comparator. As shown in FIG. 9, the curve 2930 indicates that the over-current threshold signal changes between the lower limit of V_(th) _(_) ₀ and the upper limit of V_(clamp), and the slope of the timing diagram in the CCM mode is greater than the slope of the timing diagram in the DCM mode.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the technique can improve consistency of maximum energy in the CCM mode and the DCM mode at different bulk voltages, but the technique has its own limitations.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bulk voltage V_(in) at the node 190 often is not a perfect DC voltage. Instead, the bulk voltage V_(in) usually changes with the output loading of the system 100 and the VAC signal. The VAC signal is an AC voltage signal, which changes its magnitude with time. For the same VAC signal, the bulk voltage V_(in) changes with the output loading of the system 100.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing effect of change in the bulk voltage V_(in) on the current sensing signal for the conventional switch-mode converter 100. Curves 3010 and 3020 represent the timing diagrams for the bulk voltage V_(in) and the current sensing signal respectively.

As shown in FIG. 10, in each of regions A, B, and C, there are two voltage pulses for the current sensing signal, one often being larger than the other. According to one embodiment, a duty cycle of a signal for a signal period is the ratio between the length of time when the signal is at a logic high level and the length of the signal period. In region A, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is relatively small, so the off-time of the PWM signal is long enough for sufficient demagnetization and effective transfer of energy to the output of the switch-mode converter 100. Subsequently, at the beginning of the next PWM period, the voltage value of the current sensing signal is lower than the corresponding voltage threshold value of V_(th) _(_) ₀. Hence, in this PWM period, the primary winding can effectively store energy, and the stored energy can be effectively transferred to the output of the switch-mode converter 100. Hence in region A, the maximum power actually delivered by the switch-mode converter 100 is not significantly affected by the change in the bulk voltage V_(in).

In region B, the duty cycle of the PWM signal is relatively large, and the off-time of the PWM signal is too short for sufficient demagnetization and effective transfer of energy to the output of the switch-mode converter 100. Subsequently, at the beginning of the next PWM period, the voltage value of the current sensing signal is higher than the corresponding voltage threshold value of V_(th) _(_) ₀. Hence, in this PWM period, the switch 140 is turned off soon after being turned on, causing the primary winding not being able to effectively store energy and effectively reducing the switching frequency by half. Consequently, the input power to the primary winding is also reduced by half, and the maximum power actually delivered by the switch-mode converter 100 in region B is significantly affected by the change in the bulk voltage V_(in).

Similarly, in region C, the duty cycle of the PWM signal reaches the maximum duty cycle that is set by the chip 180 for PWM control. For example, the maximum duty cycle is set to 80%. Consequently, the off-time of the PWM signal is too short for sufficient demagnetization and effective transfer of energy to the output of the switch-mode converter 100. Consequently, the maximum power actually delivered by the switch-mode converter 100 in region C is significantly reduced by the change in the bulk voltage V_(in).

As shown in FIG. 10, regions A, B and C can repeatedly occur in different half periods of the VAC signal. For example, T_(AC) represents the period of the VAC signal, which is equal to 20 ms for 220V/50 Hz AC voltage and equal to 16.67 ms for 110V/60 Hz AC voltage. In another example, regions B and C correspond to lower magnitudes of the bulk voltage V_(in) than region A. In yet another example, in regions A, B, and C, the effect of change in the bulk voltage V_(in) on the current sensing signal may be different.

As discussed above, the reduction of the effective PWM switching frequency is an important reason for the reduction of the maximum power actually delivered by the switch-mode converter 100. Hence, to restore the actual maximum power to the predetermined maximum power, it is important to correct the combination of larger voltage pulse and smaller voltage pulse. According to one embodiment, a correction is made to the smaller voltage pulse so that the switch has sufficient on-time in each PWM period to enable effective energy storage by the primary winding.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing correction to voltage pulse of the current sensing signal. As shown in FIG. 11, if the duty cycle of the PWM signal for the current PWM period (e.g., the PWM period that corresponds to a pulse 3110 in FIG. 11) is determined to be larger than a predetermined duty-cycle threshold (e.g., 60%), the voltage threshold is set, at the beginning of the next PWM period, to another threshold level (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(a)) that is different from the lower limit of V_(th) _(_) ₀, in order to correct a pulse 3120 to become a pulse 3122 according to one embodiment. For example, the threshold level (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(a)) is the same as the upper limit of V_(clamp). In another example, the threshold level (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(a)) is larger than the lower limit of V_(th) _(_) ₀ but smaller than the upper limit of V_(clamp).

In another example, such correction can modify the duty cycle of the PWM signal and prevent the switch from being turned off soon after being turned on. In yet another example, such correction to the voltage pulse enables the primary winding of the switch-mode converter to effectively store and transfer energy. In yet another example, such correction to the voltage pulse can prevent the reduction of the effective switch frequency and the reduction of maximum power actually delivered by the switch-mode converter.

FIG. 12 is a simplified power converter with over-current protection according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The power converter 2500 includes an OCP comparator 2510, a PWM controller component 2520, a gate driver 2530, a switch 2540, resistors 2550, 2552, 2554 and 2556, an over-current-threshold signal generator 2570, a primary winding 2560, and a leading-edge-blanking (LEB) component 2594. The OCP comparator 2510, the PWM controller component 2520, and the gate driver 2530 are parts of a chip 2580 for PWM control. The leading-edge-blanking (LEB) component 2594 is omitted in some embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 12, a bulk voltage V_(in) 2592 at a node 2590 is not a perfect DC voltage in some embodiments. For example, the bulk voltage V_(in) changes with the output loading of the power converter 2500 and a VAC signal 2599. In another example, for the same VAC signal 2599, the change in the bulk voltage V_(in) 2592 increases with the output loading of the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, the PWM controller component 2520 generates a PWM signal 2522, which is received by the gate driver 2530. In one embodiment, the gate driver 2530 in response outputs a gate drive signal 2584 to the switch 2540. In another embodiment, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 receives a signal 2582 and outputs an over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. For example, the signal 2582 is the PWM signal 2522. In another example, the signal 2582 is the gate drive signal 2584.

In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is shown in FIG. 13(a), FIG. 18(a), FIG. 20(a), and/or FIG. 22(a) as described below according to certain embodiments. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 compares the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) and a current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)), and sends an over-current control signal 2516 to the PWM controller component 2520. In yet another example, when a current 2572 flowing through the primary winding is greater than a limiting level, the PWM controller component 2520 turns off the switch 2540 and shuts down the power converter 2500. In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) is associated with a voltage signal indicating the magnitude of the current 2572.

In one embodiment, a switching period of the PWM signal 2522 includes an on-time period and an off-time period, and a duty cycle of the switching period is equal to a ratio of the on-time period to the switching period. For example, during the on-time period, the switch 2540 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and during the off-time period, the switch 2540 is open (e.g., being turned off).

In another embodiment, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 generates the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period, such time being measured from the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period. For example, the time within a switching period is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of each switching period. In yet another example, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 receives the PWM signal 2522 to detect the beginning of an on-time period of a switching period in order to reset the time within the switching period to zero, and generate the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of such time. In yet another example, the over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 also detects the end of the on-time period for each switching period.

A self-adjustment compensation scheme can be implemented to reduce sub-harmonic oscillation in order to keep the maximum output power consistent for a wide range of bulk voltages, as shown in FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b), according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1312 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁, and the time within the switching period T₁ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₁. In another embodiment, the waveform 1314 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₂, and the time within the switching period T₂ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₂. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1316 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₃, and the time within the switching period T₃ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₃. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1318 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₄, and the time within the switching period T₄ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₄.

For example, the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to different switching cycles. In another example, the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ are not equal in magnitude, and they correspond to different switching cycles. In yet another example, the waveforms 1312, 1314, 1316 and 1318 correspond to bulk voltages V_(in1), V_(in2), V_(in3) and V_(in4) respectively. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is proportional to a current threshold (I_(th) _(_) _(oc)) of the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13(a), for a particular on-time period, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) does not change with time between 0 (e.g., the beginning of the on-time period) and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), e.g., as shown by the waveform 1312, 1314, 1316 or 1318. The value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) varies in different on-time periods to compensate for the effects of “delay to output,” according to certain embodiments. For example, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is determined according to the following equation: V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)=(1−α)×V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n)+α×(V _(ocp) _(_) _(l) +k _(ocp) ×D(n))  (Equation 9) where V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1) represents the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for an on-time period within a switching period T_(sw)(n+1), V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n) represents the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for an on-time period within a previous switching period T_(sw)(n), k_(ocp) represents α constant, D(n) represents duty cycle of the previous switching period T_(sw)(n), V_(ocp) _(_) _(l) represents a minimum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512, and a represents α coefficient (e.g., α≤1). In another example, if α=1, the magnitude of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is determined according to the following equation: V _(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)=V _(ocp) _(_) _(l) +D(n)×k _(ocp)  (Equation 10)

According to Equation 9 and Equation 10, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for a particular on-time period in a switching period is affected by duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods, in some embodiments. For example, the larger the duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods are, the larger the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for the switching period becomes. In another example, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)(n+1)) is equal to or larger than the minimum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., Vocp_l), and is equal to or smaller than the maximum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, k_(ocp) can be determined as a positive slope of an over-current threshold signal with respect to time under the DCM mode. k_(ocp) can be adjusted from such a slope in certain embodiments. In yet another example, after the maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the system 2500 operates in an off-time period of the switching period.

FIG. 13(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-time period using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period as shown in FIG. 13(a) according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1312 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁, and the waveform 1320 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁. In another embodiment, the waveform 1314 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₂, and the waveform 1322 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time within the switching period T₂.

In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1316 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₃, and the waveform 1324 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time within the switching period T₃. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1318 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₄, and the waveform 1326 represents the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time within the switching period T₄.

The waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326 represent the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time corresponding to the bulk voltages V_(in1), V_(in2), V_(in3) and V_(in4) respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326 are S₁, S₂, S₃, and S₄ respectively. In another example, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) is proportional to the current 2572 flowing through the primary winding 2560 of the power converter 2500.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time (e.g., as shown by the waveforms 1320, 1322, 1324 and 1326). As shown in FIG. 13(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments. For example, V_(in1)>V_(in2)>V_(in3)>V_(in4), and correspondingly S₁>S₂>S₃>S₄. In another example, when the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1320, 1322, 1324 or 1326), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. In yet another example, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened (e.g., turned off), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) reaches its maximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of an on-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period, in some embodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in1) corresponds to a time t_(A), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in2) corresponds to a time t_(B), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in3) corresponds to a time t_(C), and the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in4) corresponds to a time t_(D). In another example, t_(A), t_(B), t_(C), and t_(D) represent the ends of the on-time periods for the switching periods T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄ respectively.

FIG. 14(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signal generator 1602, a signal generator 1604, and a signal processing component 1601. For example, the signal processing component 1601 includes a sample-and-hold component 1606 and a low pass filter 1608. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 and the low pass filter 1608 share one or more components. In yet another example, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 1604 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 or the gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 1614 based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the sampling signal generator 1602 receives the signal 2582, and generates a sampling signal 1616. In another example, the sampling signal generator 1602 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 during the pulse of the sampling signal 1616 and holds a magnitude of the ramping signal 1614 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest of the switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, the low pass filter 1608 performs low-pass filtering of a signal 1618 generated by the sample-and-hold component 1606 and outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 is determined according to Equation 9, where a is associated with the low pass filter 1608.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 1614 is associated with a ramp-up process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1614 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In another embodiment, the ramping signal 1614 is associated with a ramp-up process, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, the ramping signal 1614 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1614 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, the constant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 1614 is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, a ramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1614 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constant process, the ramping signal 1614 keeps at the maximum value. In another example, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1614 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during the second constant process, the ramping signal 1614 keeps at the minimum value. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constant process, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occurs instantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 14(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500 including components as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 1700 represents the signal 2582 as a function of time, the waveform 1702 represents the sampling signal 1616 as a function of time, the waveform 1704 represents the ramping signal 1614 as a function of time, the waveform 1706 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, and the waveform 1708 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time.

For example, the waveform 1706 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, which includes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swa), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swb), and a over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T_(swc). In another example, the waveform 1708 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swa), the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swb), and the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swc). For example, the switching periods T_(swa), T_(swb), and T_(swc) are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to different switching cycles.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the switching period T_(swa) includes an off-time period T_(offa) and an on-time period T_(ona), a switching period T_(swb) includes an off-time period T_(offb) and an on-time period T_(onb), and a switching period T_(swc) includes an off-time period T_(offa) and an on-time period T_(onc). The on-time period T_(ona) starts at the time t₂ and ends at time t₃, the off-time period T_(offa) starts at the time t₃ and ends at time t₅, and the switching period T_(swa) starts at the time t₂ and ends at the time t₅. The on-time period T_(onb) starts at the time t₅ and ends at time t₆, the off-time period T_(offb) starts at the time t₆ and ends at time t₈, and the switching period T_(swb) starts at the time t₅ and ends at the time t₈. The on-time period T_(onc) starts at the time t₈ and ends at time t₉, the off-time period T_(offc) starts at the time t₉ and ends at time t₁₀, and the switching period T_(swc) starts at the time t₈ and ends at the time t₁₀. In yet another example, t₂≤t₃≤t₄≤t₅≤t₆≤t₇≤t₈≤t₉≤t₁₀.

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(ona), the signal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1700). For example, the ramping signal 1614 increases from a magnitude 1710 (e.g., at t₂) to a magnitude 1712 (e.g., at t₃), as shown by the waveform 1704. In another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at a magnitude 1714 during the on-time period T_(ona) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1706). In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 1716 (e.g., at t₂), as shown by the waveform 1708. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 1714 (e.g., at t₃), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example, then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 1724 (e.g., 0 at t₃) and keeps at the magnitude 1724 during the off-time period T_(offa) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1708).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582 (e.g., at t₃), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 1616 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1702). For example, the pulse starts at the time t₃ and ends at the time t₄. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 during the pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 1714 (e.g., at t₃) to a magnitude 1718 (e.g., at t₄), as shown by the waveform 1706. In yet another example, the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1712 during the pulse, and decreases to the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end of the pulse (e.g., at t₄), as shown by the waveform 1704. In yet another example, during the time period between t₄ and t₅, the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform 1704, and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 1718 as shown by the waveform 1706.

According to yet another embodiment, during the on-time period T_(onb), the signal 2582 keeps at the logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1700). For example, the ramping signal 1614 increases from the magnitude 1710 (e.g., at t₅) to the magnitude 1712 (e.g., at t₆), as shown by the waveform 1704. In another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 1718 during the on-time period T_(onb) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1706). In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 1720 (e.g., at t₅), as shown by the waveform 1708. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 1718 (e.g., at t₆), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from the logic high level to the logic low level. In another example, the current sensing signal 2514 decreases again to the magnitude 1724 (e.g., 0 at t₆) and keeps at the magnitude 1724 during the off-time period T_(offb) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1708).

According to another embodiment, at another falling edge of the signal 2582 (e.g., at t₆), another pulse is generated in the sampling signal 1616 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1702). For example, the pulse starts at the time t₆ and ends at the time t₇. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 samples the ramping signal 1614 during the pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 1718 (e.g., at t₆) to a magnitude 1722 (e.g., at t₇), as shown by the waveform 1706. In yet another example, the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1712 during the pulse, and decreases to the magnitude 1710 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end of the pulse (e.g., at t₇), as shown by the waveform 1704. In yet another example, during the time period between t₇ and t₈, the signal 1614 keeps at the magnitude 1720 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform 1704. In yet another example, during the time period between t₇ and t₉, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 1722 as shown by the waveform 1706.

As described above, for a particular switching period (e.g., T_(swc)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at a particular magnitude (e.g., the magnitude 1722) during the on-time period (e.g., T_(onc) from t₇ to t₉), and the particular magnitude (e.g., the magnitude 1722) is affected by duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods (e.g., T_(ona) and T_(onb)), in certain embodiments. For example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes in magnitude with switching period (e.g., from the magnitude 1718 in the switching period T_(swb) to the magnitude 1722 in the subsequent switching period T_(swc)). In another example, the magnitudes 1714, 1718 and 1722 of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can be determined based on Equation 9.

FIG. 14(c) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 that includes components as shown in FIG. 14(a) according to one embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The signal generator 1604 includes a current source 1802, switches 1804 and 1812, AND gates 1806 and 1814, comparators 1808 and 1816, a capacitor 1810, and an operational amplifier 1818. The signal processing component 1601 includes a switch 1820, a resistor 1822 and a capacitor 1824. For example, the sample-and-hold component 1606 includes the switch 1820 and the capacitor 1824. In another example, the low pass filter 1608 includes the resistor 1822 and the capacitor 1824.

As shown in FIG. 14(c), the AND gate 1806 receives the signal 2582 and a signal 1832 from the comparator 1808, and outputs a signal 1826 at a logic high level if both the signal 2582 and the signal 1832 are at the logic high level, in some embodiments. For example, the switch 1804 (e.g., S1) is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal 1826 being at the logic high level. In another example, a current 1828 flowing from the current source 1802 through the switch 1804 to charge the capacitor 1810, and in response the ramping signal 1614 (e.g., V_(ramp)) increases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the ramping signal 1614 exceeds a reference signal 1830 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)) in magnitude, the comparator 1808 outputs a signal 1832 at a logic low level, and the AND gate 1806 changes the signal 1826 to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1804 so as to stop charging that the capacitor 1810. In yet another example, after the ramping signal 1614 is sampled during a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 (e.g., sample), the AND gate 1814 receives a discharging signal 1840 at the logic high level, and outputs a signal 1838 at the logic high level if the signal 1836 from the comparator 1816 is at the logic high level. In yet another example, in response to the signal 1838 being at the logic high level, the switch 1812 (e.g., S2) is closed (e.g., being turned on) to discharge the capacitor 1810 and the ramping signal 1614 decreases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the ramping signal 1614 reaches a reference signal 1834 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) in magnitude, the comparator 1816 changes the signal 1836 to the logic low level and in response the AND gate 1814 changes the signal 1838 to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1812 so as to stop discharging the capacitor 1810. In yet another example, the operational amplifier 1818 serves as a buffer.

According to one embodiment, the sampling signal generator 1602 receives the signal 2582 and outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 1616 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. For example, the switch 1820 (e.g., S3) is closed in response to the pulse. In another example, the signal processing component 1601 samples and holds the ramping signal 1614, and performs low-pass filtering. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 compares the over-current threshold signal 2512 with the current sensing signal 2514, and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yet another example, the over-current control signal 2516 is at the logic high level if the over-current threshold signal 2512 is larger than the current sensing signal 2514 in magnitude, and the over-current control signal 2516 changes to the logic low level to trigger the over-current protection if the current sensing signal 2514 reaches or exceeds the over-current threshold signal 2512 in magnitude.

Referring to Equation 9, the coefficient α is determined as follows, according to some embodiments:

$\begin{matrix} {\alpha = {1 - e^{- \frac{T_{oneshot}}{R_{ocp} \times C_{ocp}}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 11} \right) \end{matrix}$ where R_(ocp) represents a resistance of the resistor 1822, T_(oneshot) represents a pulse width of the pulse generated in the sampling signal 1616, and C_(ocp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 1824. For example, if R_(ocp)×C_(ocp)>>T_(oneshot), then

$\begin{matrix} {\alpha = \frac{T_{oneshot}}{R_{ocp} \times C_{ocp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 12} \right) \end{matrix}$

FIG. 15(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a filter signal generator 2802, a signal generator 2804, and a signal processing component 2801. For example, the signal processing component 2801 includes a sample-and-hold component 2806 and a low pass filter 2808. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 2806 and the low pass filter 2808 share one or more components. In yet another example, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b). In yet another example, the signal generator 2804 is the same as the signal generator 1604.

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 2804 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 or the gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2814 based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the filter signal generator 2802 receives the signal 2582, and outputs a filter signal 2816 to the low pass filter 2808. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 2806 samples and holds the ramping signal 2814 when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level. In yet another example, when the signal 2582 changes to the logic low level, the low pass filter 2808 performs low-pass filtering of a signal 2818 generated by the sample-and-hold component 2806 and outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 is determined according to Equation 9, where α is associated with the low pass filter 2808.

FIG. 15(b) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 that includes components as shown in FIG. 15(a) according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The signal generator 2804 includes a current source 2602, switches 2604 and 2612, AND gates 2606 and 2614, comparators 2608 and 2616, a capacitor 2610, and an operational amplifier 2618. The signal processing component 2801 includes switches 2620 and 2654, and capacitors 2624 and 2656. The filter signal generator 2802 includes a NOT gate 2650. For example, the switch 2620 and the capacitor 2656 are included in the sample-and-hold component 2806. In another example, the capacitor 2656, the switch 2654 and the capacitor 2624 are included in the low pass filter 2808. In yet another example, the current source 2602, the switches 2604 and 2612, the AND gates 2606 and 2614, the comparators 2608 and 2616, the capacitor 2610, the operational amplifier 2618, and the switch 2620 are the same as the current source 1802, the switches 1804 and 1812, the AND gates 1806 and 1814, the comparators 1808 and 1816, the capacitor 1810, the operational amplifier 1818, and the switch 1820, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), the AND gate 2606 receives the signal 2582 and a signal 2632 from the comparator 2608, and outputs a signal 2626 at a logic high level if both the signal 2582 and the signal 2632 are at the logic high level, in some embodiments. For example, the switch 2604 (e.g., S1) is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal 2626 being at the logic high level. In another example, a current 2628 flowing from the current source 2602 through the switch 2604 to charge the capacitor 2610, and in response the ramping signal 2814 (e.g., V_(ramp)) increases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the ramping signal 2814 exceeds a reference signal 2630 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)) in magnitude, the comparator 2608 outputs a signal 2632 at a logic low level, and the AND gate 2606 changes the signal 2626 to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 2604 so as to stop charging that the capacitor 2610. In yet another example, after the ramping signal 2814 is sampled, the AND gate 2614 receives a discharging signal 2640 at the logic high level, and outputs a signal 2638 at the logic high level if the signal 2636 from the comparator 2616 is at the logic high level. In yet another example, in response to the signal 2638 being at the logic high level, the switch 2612 (e.g., S2) is closed (e.g., being turned on) to discharge the capacitor 2610 and the ramping signal 2814 decreases in magnitude. In yet another example, if the ramping signal 2814 reaches a reference signal 2634 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) in magnitude, the comparator 2616 changes the signal 2636 to the logic low level and in response the AND gate 2614 changes the signal 2638 to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 2612 so as to stop discharging the capacitor 2610.

According to one embodiment, the filter signal generator 2802 receives the signal 2582 and outputs the filter signal 2816. For example, when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level (e.g., during an on-time period), the switch 2620 is closed (e.g., being turned on), and the switch 2654 is open (e.g., being turned off) in response to the signal 2816. In another example, the capacitor 2656 is charged in response to the ramping signal 2814 which is tracked through the operational amplifier 2618. In yet another example, when the signal 2582 changes to the logic low level (e.g., upon a falling edge of the signal 2582), the switch 2620 is open (e.g., being turned off), and the switch 2654 is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the signal 2816. In yet another example, a magnitude of the ramping signal 2814 is stored in the capacitor 2656 and transferred to the capacitor 2624 to generate the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)). In yet another example, the filter signal 2816 is at the logic high level when the signal 2582 is at the logic low level, and the filter signal 2816 is at the logic low level when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level.

Referring to Equation 9, the coefficient α is determined as follows, according to some embodiments:

$\begin{matrix} {\alpha = \frac{C_{samp}}{C_{samp} + C_{ocp}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 13} \right) \end{matrix}$ where C_(samp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 2656 and C_(ocp) represents a capacitance of the capacitor 2624.

FIG. 16(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signal generator 1902, a signal generator 1904, a signal processing component 1901, a duty-cycle detector 1926, a counter component 1928, a NOT gate 1930, switches 1932 and 1934, and a compensation component 1936. The signal processing component 1901 includes a sample-and-hold component 1906 and a low pass filter 1908. For example, the sample-and-hold component 1906 and the low pass filter 1908 share one or more components. In another example, the sampling signal generator 1902, the signal generator 1904, the sample-and-hold component 1906, and the low pass filter 1908 are the same as the sampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604, the sample-and-hold component 1606, and the low pass filter 1608, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the duty-cycle detector 1926 receives the signal 2582 and determines whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of a particular switching period is larger than a duty cycle threshold. For example, if the duty-cycle detector 1926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is larger than the duty cycle threshold, in response the counter component 1928 outputs a sample-disable signal 1940 at a logic low level and thus a sample-enable signal 1938 from the NOT gate 1930 is at a logic high level so that the switch 1932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) and the switch 1934 is open (e.g., being turned off). In another example, if the duty-cycle detector 1926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is smaller than the duty cycle threshold, the counter component 1928 detects whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for a predetermined number of switching periods. In yet another example, if the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for the predetermined number of switching periods, the counter component 1928 outputs the sample-disable signal 1940 at the logic high level and thus the sample-enable signal 1938 is at the logic low level so that the switch 1932 is open (e.g., being turned off) and the switch 1934 is closed (e.g., being turned on).

According to another embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 1904 receives the signal 2582, and generates a ramping signal 1914 (e.g., V_(ramp)) based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the sampling signal generator 1902 receives the signal 2582, and generates a sampling signal 1916. In another example, the sampling signal generator 1902 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 1916 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, the sample-and-hold component 1906 samples the ramping signal 1914 during the pulse of the sampling signal 1916 and holds a magnitude of the ramping signal 1914 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest of the switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, the low pass filter 1908 performs low-pass filtering of a signal 1918 (e.g., V_(sample)) generated by the sample-and-hold component 1906 and, if the switch 1932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the sample-enable signal 1938, outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet another example, the waveform of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is similar to the waveform 1706 as shown in FIG. 14(b). In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516.

According to yet another embodiment, the compensation component 1936 receives the signal 2582 and, if the switch 1934 is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the sample-disable signal 1940, outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. For example, the waveform of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is shown in the inlet figure associated with the compensation component 1936. That is, between 0 and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases at a positive slope with respect to time between a minimum value (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and a maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 1914 is associated with a ramp-up process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1914 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In another embodiment, the ramping signal 1914 is associated with a ramp-up process, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, the ramping signal 1914 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1914 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, the constant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 1914 is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, a ramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 1914 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constant process, the ramping signal 1914 keeps at the maximum value. In another example, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 1914 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during the second constant process, the ramping signal 1914 keeps at the minimum value. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constant process, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occurs instantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 16(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500 including components as shown in FIG. 16(a) according to another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 2000 represents the signal 2582 as a function of time, the waveform 2002 represents the sampling signal 1916 as a function of time, the waveform 2004 represents the ramping signal 1914 as a function of time, the waveform 2006 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, and the waveform 2008 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time.

For example, the waveform 2006 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, which includes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swd), and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swe). In another example, the waveform 2008 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swd), and the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swe).

For example, as shown in FIG. 16(b), an on-time period T_(ond) starts at time t₁₀ and ends at time t₁₁, an off-time period T_(offd) starts at the time t₁₁ and ends at time t₁₃, an on-time period T_(one) starts at the time t₁₄ and ends at time t₁₅, and an off-time period T_(offe) starts at the time t₁₅ and ends at time t₁₇. In another example, t₁₀≤t₁₁≤t₁₂≤t₁₃≤t₁₄≤t₁₅≤t₁₆≤t₁₇≤t₁₈≤t₁₉.

According to one embodiment, initially, the duty cycle of the signal 2582 is larger than the duty cycle threshold (e.g., at t₁₀) and the sample-enable signal 1938 is at the logic high level to close (e.g., turn on) the switch 1932 (e.g., S2). For example, during the on-time period T_(ond), the signal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2000). In another example, the ramping signal 1914 increases from a magnitude 2010 (e.g., at t₁₀) to a magnitude 2012 (e.g., at t₁₁), as shown by the waveform 2004. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at a magnitude 2014 during the on-time period T_(ond)(e.g., as shown by the waveform 2006). In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 2016 (e.g., at t₁₀), as shown by the waveform 2008. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2014 (e.g., at t₁₁), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from the logic high level to the logic low level. In another example, then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 2024 (e.g., 0 at t₁₁) and keeps at the magnitude 2024 during the off-time period T_(offd) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2008).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582 (e.g., at t₁₁), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 1916 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2002). For example, the pulse starts at the time t₁₁ and ends at the time t₁₂. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 1906 samples the ramping signal 1914 during the pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2014 (e.g., at t₁₁) to a magnitude 2018 (e.g., at t₁₂), as shown by the waveform 2006. In yet another example, the signal 1914 keeps at the magnitude 2012 during the pulse, and decreases to the magnitude 2010 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end of the pulse (e.g., at t₁₂), as shown by the waveform 2004. In yet another example, during the time period between t₁₂ and t₁₃, the signal 1914 keeps at the magnitude 2010 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform 2004, and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2018 as shown by the waveform 2006. In another example, the magnitudes 2014 and 2018 of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can be determined based on Equation 9.

According to yet another embodiment, thereafter, the duty cycle of the signal 2582 changes to be smaller than the duty cycle threshold (e.g., at t₁₃). For example, if the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps to be smaller than the duty cycle threshold for a predetermined number of switching periods (e.g., between t₁₃ and t₁₄), the sample-enable signal 1938 changes to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1932 and the sample-disable signal 1940 changes to the logic high level to close (e.g., turn on) the switch 1934 (e.g., at t₁₄) so that the compensation component 1936, instead of the low pass filter 1908, outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)).

As shown in FIG. 16(b), during the on-time period T_(one), the signal 2582 keeps at the logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2000). For example, the ramping signal 1914 increases from the magnitude 2010 (e.g., at t₁₄) to the magnitude 2012 (e.g., at t₁₅), as shown by the waveform 2004. In another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases from a magnitude 2026 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l) at t₁₄) to a magnitude 2030 (e.g., at t₁₅), e.g., as shown by the waveform 2006. In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 2032 (e.g., at t₁₄), as shown by the waveform 2008. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2030 (e.g., at t₁₅), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from the logic high level to the logic low level. In another example, the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to the magnitude 2032 (e.g., at t₁₅), and keeps at the magnitude 2032 during the off-time period T_(offe) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2008). In yet another example, during the off-time period T_(offe), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) continues to increase until reaching a maximum magnitude 2028 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h) at t₁₆), and keeps at the maximum magnitude 2028 until the next on-time period. In yet another example, during the next switching period, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) has a similar waveform as during the on-time period T_(one) and the off-time period T_(offe) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2006.) During the time period between t₁₄ and t₁₈ when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 remains smaller than the duty cycle threshold, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is not determined by the ramping signal 1914, in some embodiments.

According to yet another embodiment, thereafter, the duty cycle of the signal 2582 becomes larger than the duty cycle threshold again (e.g., between t₁₈ and t₁₉). For example, the sample-enable signal 1938 changes to the logic high level to close (e.g., turn on) the switch 1932 and the sample-disable signal 1940 changes to the logic low level to open (e.g., turn off) the switch 1934. In another example, the compensation component 1936 does not determine the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) any longer. Instead, the over-current protection is carried out by the signal generator 1904, the sampling signal generator 1902, the sample-and-hold component 1906, and/or the low pass filter 1908, as discussed above, in certain embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a filter signal generator 2902, a signal generator 2904, a signal processing component 2901, a duty-cycle detector 2926, a counter component 2928, a NOT gate 2930, switches 2932 and 2934, and a compensation component 2936. The signal processing component 2901 includes a sample-and-hold component 2906 and a low pass filter 2908. For example, the sample-and-hold component 2906 and the low pass filter 2908 share one or more components.

For example, the filter signal generator 2902, the signal generator 2904, the sample-and-hold component 2906, and the low pass filter 2908 are the same as the filter signal generator 2802, the signal generator 2804, the sample-and-hold component 2806, and the low pass filter 2808, respectively. In another example, the signal generator 2904, the duty-cycle detector 2926, the counter component 2928, the NOT gate 2930, the switches 2932 and 2934, and the compensation component 2936 are the same as the signal generator 1904, the duty-cycle detector 1926, the counter component 1928, the NOT gate 1930, the switches 1932 and 1934, and the compensation component 1936, respectively.

According to one embodiment, the duty-cycle detector 2926 receives the signal 2582 and determines whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of a particular switching period is larger than a duty cycle threshold. For example, if the duty-cycle detector 2926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is larger than the duty cycle threshold, in response the counter component 2928 outputs a sample-disable signal 2940 at a logic low level and thus a sample-enable signal 2938 from the NOT gate 2930 is at a logic high level so that the switch 2932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) and the switch 2934 is open (e.g., being turned off). In another example, if the duty-cycle detector 2926 determines that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 of the particular switching period is smaller than the duty cycle threshold, the counter component 2928 detects whether the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for a predetermined number of switching periods. In yet another example, if the duty cycle of the signal 2582 keeps being smaller than the duty cycle threshold for the predetermined number of switching periods, the counter component 2928 outputs the sample-disable signal 2940 at the logic high level and thus the sample-enable signal 2938 is at the logic low level so that the switch 2932 is open (e.g., being turned off) and the switch 2934 is closed (e.g., being turned on).

According to another embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 2904 receives the signal 2582, and generates a ramping signal 2914 (e.g., V_(ramp)) based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the filter signal generator 2902 receives the signal 2582, and outputs a filter signal 2916 to the low pass filter 2908. In another example, when the signal 2582 is at the logic high level, the sample-and-hold component 2906 samples and holds the ramping signal 2914. In yet another example, when the signal 2582 changes to the logic low level, the low pass filter 2908 performs low-pass filtering of a signal 2918 (e.g., V_(sample)) generated by the sample-and-hold component 2906 and, if the switch 2932 is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the sample-enable signal 2938, outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516.

According to yet another embodiment, the compensation component 2936 receives the signal 2582 and, if the switch 2934 is closed (e.g., being turned on) in response to the sample-disable signal 2940, outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. For example, the waveform of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time is shown in the inlet figure associated with the compensation component 2936. That is, between 0 and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases at a positive slope with respect to time between a minimum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and a maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), in some embodiments.

Negative-slope compensation can be introduced to the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)), as shown in FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b), FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b), according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 18(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1402 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₅, and the time within the switching period T₅ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₅. In another embodiment, the waveform 1404 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₆, and the time within the switching period T₆ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₆. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1406 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₇, and the time within the switching period T₇ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₇. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1408 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₈, and the time within the switching period T₈ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₈. For example, the switching periods T₅, T₆, T₇, and T₈ are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to different switching cycles. In another example, the waveforms 1402, 1404, 1406 and 1408 correspond to bulk voltages V_(in5), V_(in6), V_(in7) and V_(in8) respectively.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18(a), for a particular on-time period, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) does not change with time between 0 and a time threshold (e.g., t_(h)), and decreases with time between the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), e.g., as shown by the waveform 1402, 1404, 1406 or 1408. For example, the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) corresponds to a duty cycle threshold (e.g., D_(h)). The value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) varies in different on-time periods according to certain embodiments. For example, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 between 0 and the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) is determined according to Equation 9 and/or Equation 10. That is, the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for a particular switching period is affected by duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods, in some embodiments. For example, the larger the duty cycles of one or more preceding switching periods are, the larger the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 for the particular switching period becomes. In another example, between 0 and the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)), the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equal to or larger than the minimum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., Vocp_l), and is equal to or smaller than the maximum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, beyond the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)), the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equal to or smaller than the maximum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, beyond the time threshold (e.g., th), the value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 is equal to or larger than the minimum value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., Vocp_l).

FIG. 18(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-time period using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period as shown in FIG. 18(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveforms 1410, 1412, 1414 and 1416 represent the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time corresponding to the bulk voltages V_(in5), V_(in6), V_(in7) and V_(in8) respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1410, 1412, 1414 and 1416 are S₅, S₆, S₇, and S₈ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time (e.g., as shown by the waveforms 1410, 1412, 1414 and 1416). As shown in FIG. 18(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments. For example, V_(in5)>V_(in6)>V_(in7)>V_(in8), and correspondingly S₅>S₆>S₇>S₈. In another example, when the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1410, 1412, 1414 or 1416), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. In yet another example, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened (e.g., turned off), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) reaches its maximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of an on-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period, in some embodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in5) corresponds to a time t_(E), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in6) corresponds to a time t_(F), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in7) corresponds to a time t_(G), and the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in8) corresponds to a time t₁.

FIG. 19(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signal generator 2102, a signal generator 2104, a sample-and-hold component 2106, a negative-ramping-signal generator 2108, and a duty-cycle detector 2126. For example, the sampling signal generator 2102, the signal generator 2104, and the sample-and-hold component 2106 are the same as the sampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604, and the sample-and-hold component 1606, respectively. In another example, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG. 18(a) and FIG. 18(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 2104 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 or the gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2114 based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the sampling signal generator 2102 receives the signal 2582, and generates a sampling signal 2116. In another example, the sampling signal generator 2102 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 2116 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, the sample-and-hold component 2106 samples the ramping signal 2114 during the pulse of the sampling signal 2116 and holds a magnitude of the ramping signal 2114 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest of the switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, the duty detector 2126 receives the signal 2582 and outputs a control signal 2130 that indicates the duty cycle of the signal 2582 to the negative-ramping-signal generator 2108. In yet another example, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2108 outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the OCP comparator 2510. In yet another example, the OCP comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yet another example, the control signal 2130 is at a logic low level when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 is smaller than the duty cycle threshold, and is at a logic high level when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 is larger than the duty cycle threshold. In yet another example, if the control signal 2130 indicates that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 is larger than a duty cycle threshold, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2108 introduces a negative-slope compensation to the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 2114 is associated with a ramp-up process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2114 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In another embodiment, the ramping signal 2114 is associated with a ramp-up process, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2114 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, the constant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 2114 is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, a ramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2114 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constant process, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the maximum value. In another example, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2114 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during the second constant process, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the minimum value. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constant process, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occurs instantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 19(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500 including components as shown in FIG. 19(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 2200 represents the signal 2582 as a function of time, the waveform 2202 represents the sampling signal 2116 as a function of time, and the waveform 2204 represents the ramping signal 2114 as a function of time. In addition, the waveform 2206 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, the waveform 2208 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, and the waveform 2210 represents the control signal 2130 as a function of time. For example, as shown in FIG. 19(b), a switching period T_(swf) includes an on-time period T_(onf) and an off-time period T_(offf). The on-time period T_(onf) starts at time t₂₀ and ends at time t₂₂, and the off-time period T_(offf) starts at the time t₂₂ and ends at time t₂₄. In another example, t₂₀≤t₂₁≤t₂₂≤t₂₃≤t₂₄. For example, the waveform 2206 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, which includes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swf), and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swh). In another example, the waveform 2208 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swf), and the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within the switching period T_(swh).

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(onf), the signal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2200). For example, the ramping signal 2114 increases from a magnitude 2212 (e.g., at t₂₀) to a magnitude 2214 (e.g., at t₂₂), as shown by the waveform 2204. In another example, the control signal 2130 keeps at the logic low level (e.g., between t₂₀ and t₂₁), and then changes to the logic high level (e.g., between t₂₁ and t₂₂) which indicates that the duty cycle of the signal 2582 reaches the duty cycle threshold. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at a magnitude 2216 (e.g., before t₂₁ as shown by the waveform 2206), and then in response to the control signal changing to the logic high level, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from the magnitude 2216 (e.g., at t₂₁) to a magnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂), e.g., as shown by the waveform 2206. In yet another example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 2220 (e.g., at t₂₀), as shown by the waveform 2208. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the OCP comparator 2510 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example, then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 2222 (e.g., 0 at t₂₂) and keeps at the magnitude 2222 during the off-time period T_(offf) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2208).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582 (e.g., at t₂₂), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 2116 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2202). For example, the pulse starts at the time t₂₂ and ends at the time t₂₃. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 2106 samples the ramping signal 2114 during the pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2218 (e.g., at t₂₂) to a magnitude 2224, as shown by the waveform 2206. In yet another example, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the magnitude 2214 during the pulse, and decreases to the magnitude 2212 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end of the pulse (e.g., at t₂₃), as shown by the waveform 2204. In yet another example, during the time period between t₂₃ and t₂₄, the ramping signal 2114 keeps at the magnitude 2212 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform 2204, and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2224 as shown by the waveform 2206.

FIG. 20(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.

In one embodiment, the waveform 1502 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₉, and the time within the switching period T₉ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₉. In another embodiment, the waveform 1504 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁₀, and the time within the switching period T₁₀ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₁₀. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1506 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁₁, and the time within the switching period T₁₁ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₁₁. In yet another embodiment, the waveform 1508 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within the switching period T₁₂, and the time within the switching period T₁₂ is set to zero at the beginning of the on-time period of the switching period T₁₂. For example, the switching periods T₉, T₁₀, T₁₁, and T₁₂ are equal in magnitude, even though they correspond to different switching cycles. In another example, the waveforms 1502, 1504, 1506 and 1508 correspond to bulk voltages V_(in9), V_(in10), V_(in11) and V_(in12) respectively.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(a), a starting value (e.g., at 0) of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is larger than a minimum value (e.g., Vocp_l), and is equal to or smaller than a maximum value (e.g., Vocp_h). For example, when the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) is larger than the minimum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and smaller than the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes along a negative slope with respect to time (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1502 between 0 and the time t_(J), the waveform 1504 between 0 and the time t_(K), the waveform 1506 between the time t_(L) and the maximum t_(max), or the waveform 1508 between the time t_(M) and the maximum time t_(max)). In yet another example, the starting value of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) can be determined according to Equation 9 and/or Equation 10 if the starting value calculated from Equation 9 and/or Equation 10 is between the minimum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) and the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)). In yet another example, if the starting value calculated based on Equation 9 and/or Equation 10 is larger than the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) will start at the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h)), e.g., as shown by the waveform 1506 or the waveform 1508. In yet another example, t_(L)≤t_(M)≤t_(J)≤t_(K).

FIG. 20(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-time period using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period as shown in FIG. 20(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveforms 1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516 represent the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time corresponding to the bulk voltages V_(in9), V_(in10), V_(in11) and V_(in12) respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516 are S₉, S₁₀, S₁₁, and S₁₂ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time, as shown by the waveforms 1510, 1512, 1514 and 1516. As shown in FIG. 20(b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments. For example, V_(in9)>V_(in10)>V_(in11)>V_(in12), and correspondingly S₉>S₁₀>S₁₁>S₁₂. In another example, when the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1510, 1512, 1514 or 1516), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. In yet another example, at the end of T_(delay), the switch is opened (e.g., turned off), and the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) reaches its maximum magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of an on-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period (e.g., T_(on)), in some embodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in9) corresponds to a time t_(N), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in10) corresponds to a time t_(O), the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in11) corresponds to a time t_(P), and the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltage V_(in12) corresponds to a time t_(Q).

FIG. 21(a) is a simplified diagram showing certain components of the power converter 2500 with over-current protection with over-current protection according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The over-current-threshold signal generator 2570 includes a sampling signal generator 2302, a signal generator 2304, a sample-and-hold component 2306, and a negative-ramping-signal generator 2308.

For example, the sampling signal generator 2302, the signal generator 2304, and the sample-and-hold component 2306 are the same as the sampling signal generator 1602, the signal generator 1604, and the sample-and-hold component 1606, respectively. In another example, the sampling signal generator 2302, the signal generator 2304, the sample-and-hold component 2306 and the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308 are the same as the sampling signal generator 2102, the signal generator 2104, the sample-and-hold component 2106 and the negative-ramping-signal generator 2108, respectively. In yet another example, the over-current-protection scheme is implemented according to FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b).

According to one embodiment, during a switching period, the signal generator 2304 receives the signal 2582 (e.g., the PWM signal 2522 or the gate drive signal 2584), and generates a ramping signal 2314 based on the duty cycle of the signal 2582 in the switching period. For example, the sampling signal generator 2302 receives the signal 2582, and generates a sampling signal 2316. In another example, the sampling signal generator 2302 outputs a pulse in the sampling signal 2316 upon a falling edge of the signal 2582. In yet another example, the sample-and-hold component 2306 samples the ramping signal 2314 during the pulse of the sampling signal 2316 and holds a magnitude of the ramping signal 2314 (e.g., at the end of the pulse) during the rest of the switching period until a next pulse. In yet another example, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308 outputs the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) to the comparator 2510. In yet another example, the comparator 2510 also receives the current sensing signal 2514 and outputs the over-current control signal 2516. In yet another example, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308 introduces a negative-slope compensation to the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time.

In one embodiment, the ramping signal 2314 is associated with a ramp-up process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2314 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In another embodiment, the ramping signal 2314 is associated with a ramp-up process, a constant process and a ramp-down process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value; during the constant process, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the maximum value; and during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2314 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value. In another example, the ramp-up process, the constant process, and/or the ramp-down process occurs instantaneously or during a time period. In yet another embodiment, the ramping signal 2314 is associated with a ramp-up process, a first constant process, a ramp-down process, and a second constant process. For example, during the ramp-up process, the ramping signal 2314 increases in magnitude from a minimum value to a maximum value, and during the first constant process, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the maximum value. In another example, during the ramp-down process, the ramping signal 2314 decreases in magnitude from the maximum value to the minimum value, and during the second constant process, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the minimum value. In yet another example, the ramp-up process, the first constant process, the ramp-down process and/or the second constant process occurs instantaneously or during a time period.

FIG. 21(b) is a simplified timing diagram for the power converter 2500 including components as shown in FIG. 21(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 2400 represents the signal 2582 as a function of time, the waveform 2402 represents the sampling signal 2316 as a function of time, and the waveform 2404 represents the ramping signal 2314 as a function of time. In addition, the waveform 2406 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time and the waveform 2408 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time. For example, as shown in FIG. 21(b), a switching period T_(swg) includes an on-time period T_(ong) and an off-time period T_(offg). The on-time period T_(ong) starts at time t₂₅ and ends at time t₂₆, and the off-time period T_(offg) starts at the time t₂₆ and ends at time t₂₈. In another example, t₂₅≤t₂₆≤t₂₇≤t₂₈. In yet another example, the waveform 2406 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time, which includes the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swg), and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within a switching period T_(swi). In yet another example, the waveform 2408 represents the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time, which includes the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within a switching period T_(swg), and the current sensing signal 2514 as a function of time within a switching period T_(swi).

According to one embodiment, during the on-time period T_(ong), the signal 2582 keeps at a logic high level (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2400). For example, the ramping signal 2314 increases from a magnitude 2412 (e.g., at t₂₅) to a magnitude 2414 (e.g., at t₂₆), as shown by the waveform 2404. In yet another example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from a magnitude 2416 (e.g., at t₂₅) to a magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆), as shown by the waveform 2406. That is, the negative-ramping-signal generator 2308 introduces a negative-slope compensation into the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) throughout the on-time period T_(ong), in some embodiments. For example, the current sensing signal 2514 increases from a magnitude 2420 (e.g., at t₂₅), as shown by the waveform 2408. Once the current sensing signal 2514 exceeds the magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆), the over-current protection is triggered, in some embodiments. For example, the comparator 2310 changes the over-current control signal 2516 from a logic high level to a logic low level. In another example, then the current sensing signal 2514 decreases to a magnitude 2422 (e.g., 0 at t₂₆) and keeps at the magnitude 2422 during the off-time period T_(offg) (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2408).

According to another embodiment, at a falling edge of the signal 2582 (e.g., at t₂₆), a pulse is generated in the sampling signal 2316 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 2402). For example, the pulse starts at the time t₂₆ and ends at the time t₂₇. In another example, the sample-and-hold component 2306 samples the ramping signal 2314 during the pulse and in response, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) changes from the magnitude 2418 (e.g., at t₂₆) to a magnitude 2424, as shown by the waveform 2406. In yet another example, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the magnitude 2414 during the pulse, and decreases to the magnitude 2412 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) at the end of the pulse (e.g., at t₂₇), as shown by the waveform 2404. In yet another example, during the time period between t₂₇ and t₂₈, the ramping signal 2314 keeps at the magnitude 2412 (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)) as shown by the waveform 2404, and the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) keeps at the magnitude 2424 as shown by the waveform 2406.

As shown in FIG. 22(a) and FIG. 22(b), negative-slope compensation is applied when the duty cycle of the signal 2582 exceeds a duty cycle threshold for reducing sub-harmonic oscillation in order to keep the maximum output power consistent for a wide range of bulk voltages, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22(a) is a simplified diagram showing the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveform 1202 represents the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) as a function of time within an on-time period, where the time is measured from the beginning of the on-time period.

According to one embodiment, between 0 and a time threshold (e.g., t_(h)), a positive slope of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time is properly chosen to compensate for the effects of “delay to output.” For example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) increases with time from a minimum value (e.g., V_(oop) _(_) _(l) at 0) to a maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h) at the time threshold t_(h)), as shown by the waveform 1202. Between the time threshold (e.g., t_(h)) and a maximum time (e.g., t_(max)), a negative slope of the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) with respect to time is properly chosen to compensate for the effects of “delay to output,” in some embodiments. For example, the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., V_(th) _(_) _(oc)) decreases from the maximum value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(h) at the time threshold t_(h)) to a low value (e.g., V_(ocp) _(_) _(m) at the maximum time, t_(max)), as shown by the waveform 1202. In yet another example, V_(ocp) _(_) _(m)<V_(ocp) _(_) _(h), and V_(ocp) _(_) _(l)<V_(ocp) _(_) _(h). In yet another example, Vocp_m is smaller than, equal to, or larger than Vocp_l.

FIG. 22(b) is a simplified diagram showing determination of an on-time period using the over-current threshold signal 2512 as a function of time within a switching period as shown in FIG. 22(a) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. The waveforms 1204, 1206, 1208 and 1210 represent the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) as a function of time corresponding to bulk voltages V_(in13), V_(in14), V_(in15) and V_(in16) respectively. For example, the slopes shown in the waveforms 1204, 1206, 1208 and 1210 are S₁₃, S₁₄, S₁₅, and S₁₆ respectively.

According to one embodiment, with respect to a particular bulk voltage, the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time, as shown by the waveforms 1204, 1206, 1208 and 1210. As shown in FIG. 22 (b), the slope of the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) with respect to time increases with the bulk voltage, in some embodiments. For example, V_(in13)>V_(in14)>V_(in15)>V_(in16), and correspondingly S₁₃>S₁₄>S₁₅>S₁₆. In another example, when the switch is closed (e.g., turned on), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) increases with time in magnitude (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1202, 1204, 1206 or 1208). In yet another example, when the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) exceeds in magnitude the over-current threshold signal 2512 (e.g., as shown by the waveform 1202, 1204, 1206 or 1208), the over-current protection is triggered. In yet another example, during T_(delay) (e.g., the “delay to output”), the current sensing signal 2514 (e.g., V_(CS)) continues to increase in magnitude. The end of T_(delay) is the end of an on-time period of the switch 2540 during a switching period (e.g., T_(on)) which corresponds to a time, in some embodiments. For example, the end of T_(delay) for the bulk voltages V_(in13), V_(in14), V_(in15) and V_(in16) correspond to the times, t_(R), t_(S), t_(T) and t_(U), respectively.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, and generate the threshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period. For example, the system controller is implemented according to at least FIG. 13(a), FIG. 13(b), FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(b), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 16(b), and/or FIG. 17.

According to another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal equal to the determined first threshold signal value so that the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the system controller is implemented according to at least FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 19(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for the second switching period, determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from the determined first threshold signal value, with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the system controller is implemented according to at least FIG. 20(a), FIG. 20(b), FIG. 21(a), and/or FIG. 21(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a system controller for protecting a power converter includes a signal generator, a comparator, and a modulation and drive component. The signal generator is configured to generate a threshold signal. The comparator is configured to receive the threshold signal and a current sensing signal and generate a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The modulation and drive component is coupled to the signal generator and configured to receive at least the comparison signal, generate a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, and output the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current, the drive signal being associated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality of switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period. The signal generator is further configured to, for each of the plurality of switching periods, set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the system controller is implemented according to at least FIG. 22(a), and/or FIG. 22(b).

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting a power converter includes a modulation and drive component, a ramping-signal generator, a sampling-signal generator, and a sample-and-hold component. The modulation and drive component is configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The sampling-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component is configured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal. For example, the signal generator is implemented according to at least FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 21(a).

According to yet another embodiment, a signal generator for protecting a power converter includes a modulation and drive component, a ramping-signal generator, a sample-and-hold component, a filter-signal generator, and a low-pass filter. The modulation and drive component is configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter. The ramping-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The sample-and-hold component is configured to receive the ramping signal and the modulation signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal. The filter-signal generator is configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal. The low-pass filter is configured to receive the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal and, in response to the filter signal, generate a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal. For example, the signal generator is implemented according to at least FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), and/or FIG. 17.

In one embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. In addition, the method includes receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles; and generating the threshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value, the threshold signal being constant in magnitude as a function of time for the second switching period. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 13(a), FIG. 13(b), FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(b), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 16(b), and/or FIG. 17.

In another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal equal to the determined threshold signal value so that the threshold signal is constant in magnitude as a function of the time, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 18(a), FIG. 18(b), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 19(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for the second switching period, determining a threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more duty cycles, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, and if the time satisfies one or more predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from the determined threshold signal value, with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 20(a), FIG. 20(b), FIG. 21(a), and/or FIG. 21(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for protecting a power converter includes, generating a threshold signal, receiving the threshold signal and a current sensing signal, the current sensing signal indicating a magnitude of a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, and generating a comparison signal based on at least information associated with the threshold signal and the current sensing signal. The method further includes, receiving at least the comparison signal, generating a drive signal based on at least information associated with the comparison signal, the drive signal being associated with a plurality of switching periods, each of the plurality of switching periods including an on-time period and an off-time period, and outputting the drive signal to a switch in order to affect the primary current. The process for generating a threshold signal includes, for each of the plurality of switching periods, setting a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period, if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal increases with the increasing time in magnitude, and if the time satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions, generating the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases with the increasing time in magnitude. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 22(a), and/or FIG. 22(b).

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving the modulation signal, and processing information associated with the modulation signal. The method further includes, generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal, receiving the sampling signal and the ramping signal, and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 14(a), FIG. 14(c), FIG. 16(a), FIG. 19(a), and/or FIG. 21(a).

In yet another embodiment, a method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter includes, generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, receiving the modulation signal, and processing information associated with the modulation signal. The method further includes, generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, generating a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal, and receiving the ramping signal and the modulation signal. In addition, the method includes, outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal, receiving the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal, and generating, in response to the filter signal, a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal. For example, the method is implemented according to at least FIG. 15(a), FIG. 15(b), and/or FIG. 17.

For example, some or all components of various embodiments of the present invention each are, individually and/or in combination with at least another component, implemented using one or more software components, one or more hardware components, and/or one or more combinations of software and hardware components. In another example, some or all components of various embodiments of the present invention each are, individually and/or in combination with at least another component, implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or more analog circuits and/or one or more digital circuits. In yet another example, various embodiments and/or examples of the present invention can be combined.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal generator for protecting a power converter, the signal generator comprising: a modulation and drive component configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, the modulation signal including an on-time period, the switch being closed during the on-time period; a ramping-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; a sampling-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal; and a sample-and-hold component configured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal; wherein: the falling edge of the modulation signal is at a first time; the pulse of the sampling signal starts at a second time and ends at a third time; the first time and the second time are the same; and the on-time period ends at the first time.
 2. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the modulation signal is a pulse-width-modulation signal.
 3. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the modulation signal is the drive signal.
 4. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the modulation signal is not the drive signal.
 5. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the modulation and drive component includes: a modulation component configured to generate the modulation signal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the modulation signal and output the drive signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal.
 6. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the modulation and drive component includes: a modulation component configured to generate a first signal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the first signal, generate the modulation signal based on at least information associated with the first signal, and output the modulation signal as the drive signal.
 7. The signal generator of claim 1, and further comprising: a comparator configured to receive a threshold signal associated with the sampled-and-held signal and a current sensing signal associated with the primary current and output a comparison signal to the modulation and drive component based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal and the current sensing signal.
 8. The signal generator of claim 7, and further comprising a low-pass filter configured to receive the sampled-and-held signal and output the threshold signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal.
 9. The signal generator of claim 8 wherein the sample-and-hold component and the low-pass filter share at least one capacitor.
 10. The signal generator of claim 8 wherein the sample-and-hold component includes: a first switch configured to be closed and open in response to the sampling signal; and a first capacitor configured to be charged in response to the ramping signal when the first switch is closed.
 11. The signal generator of claim 1 wherein the ramping-signal generator includes, a capacitor configured to be charged in response to the modulation signal being at a first logic level and output the ramping signal.
 12. The signal generator of claim 1, and further comprising: a threshold-signal generator configured to receive the sampled-and-held signal and generate a threshold signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal, the modulation signal being associated with one or more first switching periods and a second switching period following the one or more first switching periods, the one or more first switching periods corresponding to one or more first duty cycles, the second switching period including an on-time period and an off-time period; wherein the threshold-signal generator is further configured to: determine a first threshold signal value based on at least information associated with the one or more first duty cycles; set a time to zero at a beginning of the on-time period of the second switching period; and if the time satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions, generate the threshold signal so that the threshold signal decreases, from the determined first threshold signal value, with the increasing time in magnitude.
 13. A signal generator for protecting a power converter, the signal generator comprising: a modulation and drive component configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter; a ramping-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; a sampling-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal; a sample-and-hold component configured to receive the sampling signal and the ramping signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal; a comparator configured to receive a threshold signal associated with the sampled-and-held signal and a current sensing signal associated with the primary current and output a comparison signal to the modulation and drive component based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal and the current sensing signal; and a low-pass filter configured to receive the sampled-and-held signal and output the threshold signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal; wherein the sample-and-hold component includes: a first switch configured to be closed and open in response to the sampling signal; and a first capacitor configured to be charged in response to the ramping signal when the first switch is closed; wherein the low-pass filter includes: a first resistor including a first resistor terminal and a second resistor terminal, the first resistor terminal being coupled to the first switch; and a second capacitor coupled to the second resistor terminal; wherein: the falling edge of the modulation signal is at a first time; the pulse of the sampling signal starts at a second time and ends at a third time; and the first time and the second time are the same.
 14. A signal generator for protecting a power converter, the signal generator comprising: a modulation and drive component configured to generate a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter; a ramping-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; a sample-and-hold component configured to receive the ramping signal and the modulation signal and output a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal; a filter-signal generator configured to receive the modulation signal and generate a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; and a low-pass filter configured to receive the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal and, in response to the filter signal, generate a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal; wherein the filter-signal generator is further configured to change the filter signal from a first logic level to a second logic level in response to the modulation signal changing from a third logic level to a fourth logic level.
 15. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation signal is the drive signal.
 16. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation signal is not the drive signal.
 17. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the sample-and-hold component and the low-pass filter share at least one capacitor.
 18. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation and drive component includes: a modulation component configured to generate the modulation signal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the modulation signal and output the drive signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal.
 19. The signal generator of claim 14, and further comprising a comparator configured to receive the first signal as a threshold signal and a current sensing signal associated with the primary current and output a comparison signal to the modulation and drive component based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal and the current sensing signal.
 20. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the sample-and-hold component includes: a first switch configured to be closed and open in response to a sampling signal; and a first capacitor configured to be charged in response to the ramping signal when the first switch is closed.
 21. The signal generator of claim 20 wherein the low-pass filter includes: a second switch configured to be closed and open in response to the filter signal; and a second capacitor configured to be charged when the second switch is closed.
 22. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the ramping-signal generator includes, a capacitor configured to be charged in response to the modulation signal being at a first logic level and output the ramping signal.
 23. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation signal is a pulse-width-modulation signal.
 24. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation and drive component includes: a modulation component configured to generate the modulation signal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the modulation signal and output the drive signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal.
 25. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the modulation and drive component includes: a modulation component configured to generate a second signal; and a gate drive component configured to receive the second signal, generate the modulation signal based on at least information associated with the second signal, and output the modulation signal as the drive signal.
 26. The signal generator of claim 14 wherein the filter-signal generator includes a NOT gate.
 27. The signal generator of claim 26 wherein: the NOT gate includes a first terminal and a second terminal; and the first terminal is configured to receive the modulation signal.
 28. The signal generator of claim 27 wherein the second terminal of the NOT gate is configured to output the filter signal.
 29. A method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter, the method comprising: generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter, the modulation signal including an on-time period, the switch being closed during the on-time period; receiving the modulation signal; processing information associated with the modulation signal; generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; generating a sampling signal including a pulse in response to a falling edge of the modulation signal; receiving the sampling signal and the ramping signal; and outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal corresponding to the pulse of the sampling signal; wherein: the falling edge of the modulation signal is at a first time; the pulse of the sampling signal starts at a second time and ends at a third time; the first time and the second time are the same; and the on-time period ends at the first time.
 30. A method for generating a signal for protecting a power converter, the method comprising: generating a modulation signal to output a drive signal to a switch in order to affect a primary current flowing through a primary winding of a power converter; receiving the modulation signal; processing information associated with the modulation signal; generating a ramping signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; generating a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal; receiving the ramping signal and the modulation signal; outputting a sampled-and-held signal associated with a magnitude of the ramping signal in response to the modulation signal; receiving the filter signal and the sampled-and-held signal; and generating, in response to the filter signal, a first signal based on at least information associated with the sampled-and-held signal; wherein the generating a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal includes: changing the filter signal from a first logic level to a second logic level in response to the modulation signal changing from a third logic level to a fourth logic level.
 31. The method of claim 30 wherein the generating a filter signal based on at least information associated with the modulation signal further includes: receiving a second signal; and generating a third signal; wherein the third signal is an inverted signal of the second signal. 